"Notchy" Shifting

[mraasch]

I just picked up my MSP last week and was just wondering if other people have noticed that it takes quite an effort to shift from 1st to 2nd gear in their MSP. Shifting through the other gears is very smooth.

I have previously heard that it is a bit "notchy", but this is somewhat more than I was expecting.

Is this normal? Should I contact the dealer? Is there anything I can do about it (new transmission fluid, etc.)?

Thanks!

 

[ELEmental59437]

It is very normal for all protege's with manual trannys. I would do a search for "redline" transmission fluid or "synchromesh". Many people have switched to one of these two and have seen improvements.

Welcome to the site.

 

[z00mer]

I`ve had the same problem when I bought mine back in March. After the first week I just changed the tranny fluid to Royal Purple`s, and its been smoothe shifting ever since!

 

[Tex]

Welcome.

I noticed an improvement after changing to Royal Purple 75w-90 transmission fluid, available at most NAPA auto stores. The products mentioned above would probably help equally as well.

That being said, if it is hard to shift into 2nd, and the other gears are smooth, I would take it in and have it checked. If nothing else, at least you have a record of the problem if something goes bad with the tranny/shifter down the road.

My problem is getting out of reverse. Strangely enough, if I press VERY hard on the clutch, it comes out of reverse much easier. Maybe you could try that, and if it works, have them see if they can adjust the clutch pedal free travel.

 

[mraasch]

Thanks for the help!
I'm not much for doing car maintenance myself (especially if it's under warranty), so where can I go to get the fluid changed for me? Can the local Pep Boys, Auto Zone, etc. do it or should I just have the dealer do it?
Thanks!

 

[scott42]

I think my dealer charged me $10 to do it...worth it to me to save time and me f'n up my car, or having to buy funnels and what not (the car was already in getting bushings replaced anyway, so why not...)

 

[jaymode]

Mine was really notchy from 1st to 2nd, but it seems like it has gotten easier as I just past 550 miles.

 

[t3ase]

Either put Redline or GM Syncromesh fluid in. It'll help out quite a bit.

 

[girth]

Hmmm, except for in the winter, all of my Proteges have been silky smooth for shifting. My MSP shifter squeeks (who's doesn't) but it still shifts easy to me. I must have gotten "lucky" to avoid this problem.

 

[KyRaceFan]

i think its perception. Each cars tranny shifts differently... some are "smoother" and others "notchier". But if people have noticed, then id suggest going to better gear oil. I'm going to switch soon.. ive missed a few 1-2 shifts... no damage, i caught it and kept the clutch in to prevent a grind, but it is annoying.....

 

[unwrittenLaw]

If you think the MSP's is notchy, try the Evo's...its pretty bad.

 

[4001]

yeah the Evo's was terrible. Out of redline, synchromesh or Royal Purple transmission fluid which one is the best bet ?

 

[zoomP5ATL]

notchy

I've notice this too on my P5. I just have around 2000 miles and its seems like its a little notchy. I didn't know if I was just being paranoid or something. Should I take it to the dealer and ask them to fix it? Of course they always tell you everything is up to spec or some bs...

 

[mraasch]

Is there a particular variety of Royal Purple I should look for? On their website I see three different kinds!

Thanks a bunch for the info!

 

[bruce95fmla]

this used to happen to me in my car sometimes also ...
pretty annoying

 

[Tex]

mraasch--
The only gear oil from Royal Purple that will work in your MazdaSpeed tranny is the MaxGear. The other two are ATF fluids, one for manual trannys that specify Automatic Transmission Fluid, and one for automatic transmissions.

PS- Although I did know a guy who raced his Boss 302 Mustang years ago, and always used ATF in the manual transmission, claiming that it made his shifts slicker than owl snot, and any fluid that could stand up to the pressures generated by an automatic transmission would have no trouble adequately lubricating a manual tranny's gears. He had to seal up the case good, though, because the water-thin ATF would leak out anywhere it got the chance.

 

[_Sloteg_]

Will the dealer have the GM syncromech or where can i go and get it from?

 

[MsPxZoOm]

to change the transmission fluid, do you have to bleed out the whole thing???

 

[PaulMP3]

You just need to remove the drain plug on the bottom of the tranny, and the fill port.

I think it is a 23mm bolt.